Catalyst structure for the partial oxidation of n-butane to produce maleic anhydride

Abstract

Phosphorus-Vanadium oxidation catalyst prepared as tablets with a hole in the center produce higher yields of maleic anhydride from C4's, particularly n-butane than the same catalyst without the hole.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure comprising a cylinder having a bore therethrough, said cylinder consisting essentially of catalytic material, which is comprised of a phosphorus, vanadium, oxygen complex. 
     
     
       2. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 1 wherein said complex contains V, P and Me in a atomic ratio of V:P:Me of 1:0.90 to 1.3:0.001 to 0.4, Me is a metal, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or mixture thereof. 
     
     
       3. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 2 wherein Me is Cu, Ag, Zn, Cd, Al, Ga, In, Sc, Y, La, Ge, Sn, Pb, Ti, Zr, Sb, Bi, As, Fe, Co, Ni, Ce, Pr, Nd, Cr, Li, Na, K, Rb, Fr, Nb, Te, W, Pd, Mn, Mo, Re, Sm, Hf, Ta, Th, U, Sn, B, Si, Mg, Ba, Tb, Eu or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       4. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 3 wherein Me is Cu, Mo, Ni, Co, Cr, Nd, Ce, Ba, Y, Sm, Te, Zr, W, Pd, Ag, Mn, Zn, Re, La, Hf, Ta, Th, U, Eu, Nb, Ru, Li, Mg, B, Si or mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       5. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 4 where Me is Zn, Si, Li or a mixture thereof. 
     
     
       6. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 wherein said cylinders are in the range of 2 1/2 to 10 mesh. 
     
     
       7. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 6 where said bore is about 30 to 50% of the diameter of said cylinder. 
     
     
       8. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 7 wherein said bore is substantially centered through said cylinder. 
     
     
       9. The normal butane partial oxidation catalyst structure according to claim 6 wherein the height and diameter of said structure are substantially the same.